When we are young, time moves oh so slowly! And we have a perspective that we have all the time in the world. But when we get up in years, time moves so fast, almost like a blur. Technology doubles every 18 to 24 months and is producing results that are almost uncomprehensible.

So why is it important to think about time? The faster we go and the busier we get, the more dull, deaf, and blind we can become when it comes to godly things. We can lose the ability to sense when someone needs help; we might lose the ability to want to stop and help others. In our hurry, we run right past God’s invitations and God’s opportunities without even realizing it. We also lose the ability to truly love our fellow human beings. “The love of many will wax cold” (Matthew 24:12).

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. Matthew 22:36-40

Love is patient. Love is slow-paced. Relationships — our relationship with God and our relationships with others — will grow when we are in unhurried time.

No matter what stage of life you are in, young, old, or in-between, we can adopt a mindset of unhurried time when it comes to God and our fellow humans. Sometimes we are so caught up in striving for efficiency that love seems like a luxury or even an obstacle to efficiency. Let’s take time to just talk and allow someone our precious time. Relationships are at the heart of the two great commands.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, we pray that you help us develop unhurried time to develop a relationship with you and others. Amen

Randal Roberts, Associate Pastor
Maumee, Ohio, US

Living Kingdom Culture involves getting outside the walls of the church. In a world where meaningful connections can be difficult to find, local gatherings are helping bridge the gap. By bringing people together, we can create welcoming spaces where people can build friendships, support one another, and grow together.

Grove City, Ohio, US

Summer Block Party

Sacramento, California, US

Families, children and bubble enthusiasts enjoyed a day of fun, fellowship and community connection as Bubbles in the Park returned on Saturday, July 18. Hosted by GC Sacramento, California, the free event began at 11 a.m. and continued throughout the day, offering a welcoming space for people of all ages to gather outdoors and enjoy the simple joy of blowing bubbles.

Guests were welcome to bring their own bubble supplies, and free bubbles were available throughout the event. In addition to bubbles, attendees could request prayer, enjoy a complimentary lunch, or take advantage of all three. Cold water and light refreshments were also provided while supplies lasted.

The event brought neighbors together while creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, family fun and community engagement. We relocated to Citrus Heights in June 2024 with the goal of building relationships and serving its new community.

GC Sacramento welcomed families again this year as children enjoyed their summer break. Attendees spent the day enjoying the park, fresh air and activities.

We developed the idea for Bubbles in the Park as a simple way to connect with local residents and provide a free family-friendly activity during the summer months.

Our hope is to continue offering events like this and become an active part of the community. We love meeting people, sharing conversations, and offering encouragement. Each year we give away hundreds of bottles of bubbles, snacks, and if they’d like, prayers. Bubbles are a reminder that some prayers are answered immediately — they ‘pop’ right away — while others seem to float for a while before the answer comes. We hoped the gathering left participants feeling encouraged and connected.

Watch a video here.

Kairis Colter-Chiaji, Pastor
Sacramento, California, US